Operations Specialist, Forward Deployed Engineering

Saronic Technologies•Austin, TX

About The Position

Saronic Technologies is a leader in revolutionizing autonomy at sea, dedicated to developing state-of-the-art solutions that enhance maritime operations through autonomous and intelligent platforms. Job Overview We are seeking a highly organized and mission-driven Operations Specialist to support the Forward Deployed Engineering (FDE) team. This role combines operational execution with program-level project management. You will be responsible for ensuring that every FDE effort, whether field demo, internal development sprint, or customer deployment, is executed with precision and clarity. You will enable our engineers to focus on high-impact technical work by owning logistics, tracking requirements, and managing project schedules and budgets through cross-functional coordination. You will oversee tactical and strategic responsibilities as a key partner to the FDE Manager, in a chief of staff and project manager capacity.

Requirements

3+ years of experience in operations, project coordination, or engineering program management in robotics, aerospace, defense, or a similar field
Bachelor's degree in engineering, operations, or a related field
Experience managing schedules, budgets, and component delivery timelines in a hardware and software environment
Proven experience supporting multi-disciplinary teams in fast-paced, field-driven contexts
Familiarity with running or supporting design reviews, managing requirements traceability, and coordinating subsystem development efforts
Proficient in project management tools (e.g., Monday, Coda, MS Excel, or equivalent)
Detail-oriented, with a systems-level mindset, and the ability to manage technical documentation and execution workflows
Excellent communicator and able to translate between technical teams, external partners, and operational stakeholders
Self-starter with a strong bias toward ownership and a pragmatic, get-things-done attitude

Nice To Haves

Experience working with ERP systems (e.g., NetSuite), MRP systems (e.g., ION), and BOM management tools (e.g., Arena)
Familiarity with U.S. defense contracting, DoD logistics, and proposal/IRAD tracking is preferred

Responsibilities

Own and manage project schedules, deliverables, and cross-functional milestones for FDE-led initiatives
Support the definition, documentation, and tracking of technical requirements and system capabilities
Run and coordinate structured design reviews to capture decisions and ensure alignment with engineering and product roadmaps
Track and manage FDE-related budgets, vendor contracts, and spend against plan
Monitor risks, resourcing constraints, and execution dependencies across fielded projects
Maintain accurate documentation of Bill of Materials (BOMs), procurement timelines, and key component delivery schedules
Drive the day-to-day operational rhythm of the FDE team
Drive logistics and coordination for field operations, customer demos, internal tests, and deployments
Ensure centralized visibility into team activities via dashboards and regular reporting on deliverables and resource utilization
Collaborate with engineering, product, legal, and compliance teams to ensure alignment on FDE goals and execution timelines
Serve as a trusted liaison between the FDE team and internal and external stakeholders, ensuring clear, timely communication and follow-through
Support scaling the team to an international footprint
Partner with the FDE Manager to ensure strategic initiatives are staffed, scoped, and executed effectively
Identify and improve operational inefficiencies across onboarding, documentation, tooling, and knowledge sharing
Develop and refine process workflows, templates, and coordination mechanisms to scale execution quality and consistency
Coordinate hiring and onboarding efforts for new FDE team members

Benefits

Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance plans covering a range of services
Dental and Vision Insurance: Coverage for routine dental check-ups, orthodontics, and vision care
Saronic pays 100% of the premium for employees and 80% for dependents
Time Off: Generous PTO and Holidays
Parental Leave: Paid maternity and paternity leave to support new parents
Competitive Salary: Industry-standard salaries with opportunities for performance-based bonuses
Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan
Stock Options: Equity options to give employees a stake in the company’s success
Life and Disability Insurance: Basic life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage
Additional Perks: Free lunch benefit and unlimited free drinks and snacks in the office